Many of us think we can keep our minds alert, even when we're feeling the tug of sleepiness on our brain and bodies. But the truth is that sleep is a powerful biological drive—one that can overtake even the best driver. Rolling down the windows and turning up the radio volume—these tricks don't work. It's important to know what to look for and how to handle drowsiness to protect the safety of everyone on the road.

Well before a person actually falls asleep while driving, lapses in attention and slowed reaction times make drowsy driving very dangerous. Driving is a complex activity that involves many small but important split decisions with every passing second. Even if you're awake, your brain is not functioning optimally to handle these decisions. Studies show that excessive sleepiness decreases our judgment and increases risk taking.

The best way to make sure your mind and body are in optimal driving shape is to plan ahead and get 7-8 hours of sleep before your drive. Other methods include:

The pre-drive nap: taking a short nap before a road trip can help make up for a short night's sleep.

The mid-drive nap: if you find yourself drowsy while driving, pull over to take a short nap of 20 minutes. Make sure you are in a safe location and remember you'll be groggy for 15 minutes or so after waking up.

The Buddy system: It's safest to drive with a partner on long trips. Pull over every two hours and switch drivers, while the other takes a nap if possible.

Don't rush. Better to arrive at your destination safe than on time.

Do not drink alcohol. Even very small amounts of alcohol will enhance drowsiness.

Don't drive between midnight and 6 a.m. Because of your body's biological rhythm, this is a time when sleepiness is most intense.

Drink caffeine: caffeine improves alertness, although be aware that the effects of caffeine will wear off after several hours.

your Government Gateway ID - if you don’t have one, you’ll get an ID as part of your application

your driving licence

to be a resident of Great Britain - there’s a different process in Northern Ireland

to give the addresses you’ve lived at in the last 3 years

to not be banned from driving

Provide your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number if you know them.

If you need to change your name at the same time, you’ll have to apply by post.

You must also change the address on your vehicle log book and vehicle tax Direct Debit (if that’s how you pay).

If your new postcode isn’t recognised

You’ll have to apply by post if your postcode isn’t recognised on the online service.

If you’re moving abroad

You can’t register your new address on your British driving licence. Contact the driving licence authority in your new country of residence.

How do you getYou’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out.

Your updated licence should arrive within one week if you apply online. Contact DVLA if it hasn’t arrived after 3 weeks.

Attention:It doesn’t cost anything to change your address with DVLA.You can still drive while you’re waiting for your new licence.You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA when your address changes.